Why You Should Avoid Vegetable Oils

Summary

This Doctors Pharmacy podcast episode delves into the historical misconception that vegetable oils are healthier than saturated fats. It traces the rise of vegetable oils, like Crisco, which were initially used industrially but were later marketed as food. The script discusses the link between the consumption of hydrogenated oils, which produce trans fats, and the rise in heart disease. It also addresses the instability of liquid vegetable oils, which can lead to oxidation and inflammation, contributing to chronic diseases. The episode concludes with recommendations to avoid vegetable oils and opt for healthier alternatives like avocado oil, grass-fed butter, and organic extra virgin olive oil.

Takeaways

• 📚 In the 1960s, it was advised to replace saturated fats with vegetable oils for health reasons.
• 🧊 The belief that unsaturated fats from vegetable oils are healthier than saturated fats like butter and lard is a societal conditioning.
• 🌿 The vegetable oil industry began in the early 1900s, with Crisco being one of the first products.
• 🔧 Vegetable oils were initially used for industrial purposes, not food, and their processing involves multiple steps including hydrogenation, which produces trans fats.
• 📈 Heart disease rates increased around the time trans fats were introduced into the American diet.
• 💡 Procter & Gamble, a soap maker, repurposed vegetable oils for food and influenced nutrition science through funding the American Heart Association.
• 💸 Procter & Gamble's financial support of the American Heart Association led to the promotion of vegetable oils as heart-healthy.
• 🚫 Despite the promotion, trans fats in hardened vegetable oils are harmful and have been linked to increased mortality.
• 🔥 Liquid vegetable oils are also dangerous due to their instability, leading to oxidation and inflammation when heated or exposed to light.
• 🍽️ Dr. Hyman recommends avoiding vegetable oils and using alternatives like avocado oil, grass-fed butter, and organic extra virgin olive oil for cooking.
• 🍲 When eating out, inquire about the type of oils used in the kitchen and request healthier options if necessary.

Q & A

What was the initial idea behind replacing saturated fats with vegetable oils?

The initial idea was that replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats from vegetable and seed oils would be healthier and help prevent cardiovascular disease.

When did the misconception about fats and oils start?

The misconception started in the 1960s, but the roots can be traced back to the early 1900s with the birth of the vegetable oil industry.

What was the first vegetable oil product introduced?

The first vegetable oil product was Crisco, introduced in the early 1900s.

How did the vegetable oil industry influence the perception of fats and oils?

The vegetable oil industry, particularly Procter & Gamble with their product Crisco, influenced perceptions by marketing their products as modern and healthier alternatives to traditional saturated fats like lard.

What process is used to harden vegetable oils and what is the resulting product?

The process used to harden vegetable oils is called hydrogenation, which produces trans fats.

What health issues have been associated with the consumption of hardened vegetable oils?

Consumption of hardened vegetable oils, which contain trans fats, has been linked to increased rates of heart disease.

How did Procter & Gamble help the American Heart Association grow in the 1940s?

Procter & Gamble helped the American Heart Association by sponsoring a radio show, which led to a significant influx of funds and the establishment of the AHA as a major non-profit organization.

What was the recommendation from the American Heart Association regarding vegetable oils?

The American Heart Association started recommending the consumption of vegetable oils to prevent heart attacks, which later turned out to be misguided due to the harmful effects of trans fats.

What are the issues with consuming vegetable oils in their liquid form?

Liquid vegetable oils are highly unstable and prone to oxidation, which can lead to inflammation and chronic diseases when consumed.

What are the health implications of the widespread use of vegetable oils in processed foods?

The widespread use of vegetable oils in processed foods has led to increased consumption of unhealthy fats that contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases.

What alternatives to vegetable oils does Dr. Hyman recommend for cooking?

Dr. Hyman recommends using avocado oil, grass-fed butter, organic extra virgin olive oil, and other organic extra virgin cold-pressed oils like flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and hemp seed oil for cooking.

What is the concern with using vegetable oils for frying or in salad dressings?

The concern is that vegetable oils can degrade and oxidize when heated or exposed to light, creating oxidation products that are harmful to health.